Oh no! more on weak links

[carweill]

Incident 1
On June of 2008 during a fast tow, I noticed I was getting out of alignment, but I was able to come back to it. The second time it happen I saw the tug line 45 deg off to the left and was not able to align the glider again I tried to release but my body was off centered and could not reach the release. I kept trying and was close to 90 deg. All these happen very quickly, as anyone that has experienced a lock out would tell you. I heard a snap, and then just like the sound of a WWII plane just shut down hurdling to the ground, only the ball of fire was missing. The tug weak link broke off at 1000ft, in less than a second the glider was at 500ft. At that point I realized I had the rope, so I drop it in the parking lot.

Mistake #1 Did not stay behind the tug
Mistake #2 Did not release earlier
Mistake #3 Did not use the secondary

Incident 2
As a background, after release I wrap the bridle on my hand to stow it away. The bridle is the 3-point brake release in the hangloop carabiner. More than 18months ago 2007, under during a turn when tow forces were too strong, my weak link broke. But bridle was still attached to the tug because the bridle was coiled and had wrapped itself around the carabiner. However I had left the weak link intended for pro-tow on the harness and it broke. This happened in no more than 2 seconds.
Since then I when I set-up I make sure the bridle has no twists and still keep the pro-tow weak link.
I welcome any face-to-face questions or comments on these incidents. Anyone who wants recommendations for their towing or training, you have a great pool of knowledge in the tow parks especially from the ones that do it regularly and have the experience in the tug and behind the tug.

Carlos

[Dan T]

Carlos if you have a vario that can record the flight log it would be interesting to see the duration and altitude loss that actually occurred before you recovered once they gave you the rope. It would give us all an idea of what a recovery interval is from a full 90 degree lock out.

I have a hunch you will find it was nothing like you recalled.

Dan T from Baghdad

[mcelrah]

Hey, Dan! Thinking of you at Thanksgiving.

I notice you and I are both dickering with Charlie Givans for his P-27 paraglider. You have dibs if you still want it; I was just looking for something in case Sallie was gung-ho and I needed to give her my rig (like if we both went to Mexico this winter); she has gone dormant since Rooney went away and the Mexico trip, if it happens at all, may not be suitable for newbies - or even P-3s!

Hugh

[Dan T]

Thanks Hugh, I appreciate it. I'm serious about wanting to stay with it. I have no idea how to value that wing though. I am hoping someone there can give me some expert advice on it's condition, suitability for my limited skill level and value.

It looks like I'm going to be home for Christmas. I look forward to a chance to see you all.

[mcelrah]

I liked Charlie's words about it being very stable. You know the adage - don't pay less than $1k for a wing - right? See you at Christmas! - Hugh

[jimrooney]

Looks like a pretty benign wing.
DHV1-2... looks like a quick lancher and pretty stable.
I've not flown one, but look here:
http://www.paragliding-tales-and-review ... h-p27.html

Looks like it's easy in and easy out of spiral stuff. Not scary, but something to be aware of (as opposed to a DHV1-1).
Jim